Hello

I did my first gig with my new Tyros. Everything really went well. I had a lot of people dropping their jaws, they couldn't believe what they were hearing. It turns out I've been asked back for another date in January.

One thing that helped me was my first use of MIDI files. I used it during my break and also for a few requests I don't do like Macerena , Amazed and Electric Slide. I made it appear I was playing (hehehe) and I know nobody knew that. There was no doubt that I was not a DJ (oh, the thought of it).

Anyway, I started thinking. I already have a LOT of MIDI songs and I thought perhaps it would be worthwhile to list those tunes one will not want to be without in todays world. For a quite a while I have been doing mostly concert work on the Lowrey organs and most of our customers are aged 55 to deceased as we say. Its a bit different playing dance music. The songs change as does the tempos.

Also, I was thinking it might be a good idea to swap the important MIDI files, whether it be through email or snail mail. I think this could save us as a group a lot of work.

Watcha think?

Best
Scott

[This message has been edited by Scott Langholff (edited 11-10-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Scott Langholff (edited 11-10-2003).]

Pretending you are playing?? What's next? Not showing up and just expect to get paid ?...I'll just pretend I didn't read this

Well that’s an interesting point because I know many really good musicians who are excellent players and they use midi files. Why ?…. Simply because they can’t get the bookings anymore because the guys who don’t know how to play keyboards are using midi files, and sounding a million times better than the guys really playing arranger keyboards.

Yes, it’s a sad fact and there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s just the way of the world.
I actually know two guys how have been gigging for over 7 years pretending to play. No kidding, but these guys really don’t even know how to play the Scale of C. They pretend to play the keyboards while a Mini Disk player plays back Karaoke recording.


Regards.
James.

In reality...isnt playing an aranger Kb a form of "faking it" so to speak? If your playing a SMF song, play or sing along with it if you can other wise just let it play by it self your not fooling anyone. People hear a whole band but see only one musician....either Arranger Kb or Midi Songs, Mp3's, etc, its all the same.
There is no shame in being a Good "ENTERTAINER" cause when you roll it all up That is the bottom line, no no matter HOW YOU DO IT. Its an electronic world out there like it or not.
If your audience is happy,your getting repeat bookings, and your making money your a success. If you want to remain "PURE" then just play Acoustic Piano, or play KB in a band.



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-10-2003).]

I use mostly midi files on stage, BUT I and the rest of the band play along. The files are very good, but never as good as a real person. Don't fake it. A day will come when you'll have forgotten (or don't know) most of your own play list.
I certainly hope we don't get into a discussion of the honesty or validity of midi files. Those who use them, use them; those who don't, don't.

DNJ, yeah, playing an arranger can be a little like 'faking' it. I know I sometimes feel a little silly playing a two or three finger chord and getting a full arrangement, but just like midi files, it's how you use them that really matters.

Use the midis, arrangers, drum machines, etc., BUT PLAY! I'm sure most of us would all love to play with a full, live band, but in today's music world that's not always possible or optimal. Let's keep our music going as best we can.

Sermon over.

That's show biz folks! We're entertainers first and foremost--not musicians. We entertain other people and they pay us to do so. Midi, MP3, karaoke and other forms of musical interface devices are just tools of the trade. If you can't keep them happy, and or, on the dance floor, you're not doing what you were paid to do--entertain. At the end of the night, when the person that hires you hands you a check, plus another $50 and says I'll call you tomorrow for some more open dates, then you're on your way to making a living in SHOW BIZ!

I Love This Job,

Gary

Gary....Now we're talkin baby!!!
It's all in the Mix!




------------------
www.donnypesce.com

showbussiness ain,t it funny,all of the arts whether its learning to play an instrument after many many years or juggle or magic,fire eating etc,etc you get someone come along with aCD even backing tracks sings a couple of songs not only makes a lot of money but gets lots of applause,weird aint it,mike

Its like paying a guy to clean up your yard of leaves,

You can do it with a rake, and you might do a great job,

Or you can pay someone who has the correct tools for the job and know how to work them.

Unfortanetly I have seen acts like Madonna, In-Sync, who had DAT playbacks of background vocals or actually lead singing tracks.

So when you are "faking" a playback of a midi track, don't sweat it.

Brittney Spears is supposed to be a great singer and she hardly does live singing, but everybody goes to see her right?

Hey

I'm just getting ready for work so I don't have too much time to respond right now, but Frankieve has made an interesting point.

Everyone remember the great success of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass? Herb was not a very good trumpet player. When they recorded he played both parts so that the phrasing and vibrato etc was perfect. But, when they played live, knowing his limitiations, it was the "2nd" trumpet player who played lead and Herb played the harmony all night long.

I am a trumpet player and studied with one of Herbs' teachers. This is verifiable.

Scott